What does it take to plan and execute the perfect crime? Main Street Productions will explore that idea when they stage Warren Manzi’s Perfect Crime starting Friday, Feb. 8 and running for three weeks at Westfield Playhouse, 1836 W. State Road 32, Westfield.
Director Cheryl Fesmire has worked in local theater for 10 years and has been a part of Westfield Playhouse productions in various capacities at least eight times. Perfect Crime is Fesmire’s third time in the director’s role in Westfield.
“This show has run off-Broadway for 37 years now,” Fesmire said. “It is not your typical thriller mystery. It is very different. It really is about, ‘Can you commit a perfect crime?’ It looks as if the psychiatrist is a killer.”
Don’t be fooled by anything you see on this page, Perfect Crime does not give up its secrets so easily. (Above, from left) Jeremy Teipen and Michael Smiley. (Photo provided)
The play takes place entirely in the home this psychiatrist shares with her husband. Fesmire did want to be very careful not to give away anything that might ruin the experience of watching a mystery, but she did note that the playwright has a bit in common with Agatha Christie. Thus, audiences can expect several red herrings, but also several valuable clues along the way.
“There are five actors, but only four are seen on stage,” Fesmire explained. “The fifth will only be seen on a television screen or heard with the psychiatrist.”
Casting this play was a challenge for Fesmire, especially when it came to finding her leading lady.
(Below, from left) Georgeanna Teipen and Thom Johnson. (Photo provided)
“I had so many strong women show up,” she said. “Trying to choose one was very difficult. I truly feel I could have cast this play with about four different women. In the second night of auditions my lead actress did a very small thing that let me see the character in a way that really turned the tide. This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. In the end I have a really strong cast.”
Fesmire said this play is not your typical whodunit. “This will stretch the audience’s imagination as they sit there and try to figure it out. This is certainly an actor’s play. Every character gets a workout. It is challenging, but I have never seen a cast have as much fun. That is interesting in a play that is sort of dark.”
Fesmire noted that due to adult language and situations, this play is recommended for ages 18 and over, at the discretion of parents.
We saw it opening night. Great show!!!